When speaking spanish...?

Question

I am not the best spanish student, and my accent is pretty bad. My question is, when I am speaking (or trying at least) to speak spanish, do you think that native spanish speakers are laughing at me in their head?? I know it is a kind of paranoid question lol but I always wondered. My spanish teacher said that they would appreciate that I am making an effort...but I'm pretty bad lol So if you speak another language and you hear it spoken incorrectly do you assume that person is an idiot?

Answer 1

OK, I'm a native spanish speaker and here's my experience:

We admire the effort that non-spanish people do to communicate with us. Latin-americans are usually afraid to speak in English for the same reason... they don't have a nice accent. And most of the time they prefer to remain silent or ask someone else to speak for them. It's our culture. So when we hear a non-spanish speaker trying to communicate with us in spanish, even if their spanish isn't very good... we don't laugh!

OK, that works for most of the people... but there would only be mean people... that's for sure!!!

Answer 2

I feel the same way. My husband is Mexican and I have been learning spanish for a while. I feel sooo stupid when I am trying to talk to his sisters because they always laugh when I say something wrong, but they aren't thinking I am an idiot, they think its cool that I try. Just as they feel stupid when they say something wrong in English. They are trying hard to learn English the same way I'm trying hard to learn Spanish so don't feel like an idiot!! It is hard to learn anything that isn't what you're used to!! Something else, go to www.how-to-speak.com for spanish..There are some really good tips and word association ideas. I learned the most from that site(other than from my family!!) Good luck!

Answer 3

As with any language, the people worth spending time with are the people that understand that you're learning. Feel free to ask them if you don't know how to say something. If they're nice people, they're more than happy to help you figure it out.

Also, there is a great book by Joseph J. Keenan called "Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish." It helped me improve my usage a ton, and it's really funny. It's written by someone who learned Spanish by living in Spanish-speaking countries and knowing Spanish-speaking people, so he offers a lot of great advice about getting people to understand you. My favorite line from the book is, "You wonder how long you can stand speaking like a small, semiliterate child." I feel exactly like that sometimes!

¡Buena suerte!

Answer 4

When you hear someone who is learning English and is trying to speak it do you laugh at them, or do you assume they are an idiot? Your Spanish teacher is probably right.

Answer 5

Yes, the vast majority of people appreciate that you're trying to use their language. Even if you are corrected, take it with humor and carry on. They'll appreciate it even more.

There are very few (and they are idiots) who would make fun of someone making an effort. Ignore those 2 or 3 fools.

Answer 6

well if u really need to improve I could help u out I'm a spanish speaker and I Speak very funny english he he i even laugh of myself yeah , maybe I hate myself a bit , anyway , let me know ok ...if not just practice alone by yourself and don't give up amiga!

Answer 7

The majority of people will think it is great that you are trying to speak their language. Ignore the small percentage of jerks and keep practicing! The more you speak and listen, the better you will become.

Answer 8

Well, what do you think when you hear someone speaking english incorrectly or with a heavy accent?

Answer 9

Not at all if you are trying it is very appreciated .. .. It's always said it's easier for and English speaker to learn spanish vs. spanish speakers try to speak english...Don't be shy keep trying

Answer 10

You are right. You are paranoid.
Had I followed that idea when I came here, I would never had learnt english in a practical way